Case history: Medical records from three veterinary referral centres and a university veterinary teaching hospital in Australia and USA were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of distal gastrocnemius musculotendinous junction rupture (DGMJR) that were treated without surgery between 2007 and 2020.
Clinical and imaging findings: All dogs (n = 11) presented with unilateral, pelvic limb lameness and bruising, swelling or pain on palpation at the distal musculotendinous junction. Diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound or MRI in six dogs; radiographs were used to excluded stifle and tarsus pathology in four dogs; and five dogs were diagnosed on physical examination findings.
Treatment and outcome: All dogs were managed conservatively, either with complete confinement alone (n = 10; median 9 weeks), external coaptation (n = 1) alone, or a combination of both (n = 4). Sporting dogs (n = 7) were completely confined (median 22 weeks) for longer periods than companion dogs (n = 3; median 5 weeks). A good to excellent outcome was achieved for all cases in this cohort. The seven sporting dogs achieved an excellent outcome; returning to their previous level of sport, with complete resolution of lameness and recovery of a normal tibiotarsal stance. The four companion dogs achieved a good outcome; returning to their previous level of activity but with persistently increased tibiotarsal standing angle compared to the contralateral limb.
Clinical relevance: Conservative treatment represents a viable treatment option for dogs with rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle at its distal musculotendinous junction.
